Events

More

I will contest for president in 2016 at a young age of 70 - Akufo-Addo

I will contest for president in 2016 at a young age of 70 - Akufo-Addo

Source: Ghana|Myjoyonline.com

Date: 20-03-2014 Time: 11:03:43:am

Nana Akufo-Addo to take another shot at the Presidency

The 2012 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says he will run for president for the third consecutive time in 2016.

He says after broad consultation with key party leaders and grassroot supporters, he had come to conclusion that his decision is in the supreme interest of the opposition party.

It had been widely expected that he will seek his party’s nomination for the 2016 election but he refrained from making any public comment on it.

He stuck to his promise to make known his political future after consulting with God and party leaders.

He finally broke his silence on the matter at a press conference today.

“I am proud of what I have done for the consolidation of democracy in Ghana,” he said.

He expressed regret that he couldn’t lead the party to victory in the two previous elections.

Nana Akufo-Addo said he had had many calls on him to run and he couldn’t disappoint them.

“I am grateful to those who believe I can lead this great country,” he stated.

"I have asked questions of myself and of my body; I have seen my doctors both in Ghana and in the UK; I have examined my commitment and the fire that burns in my belly with the desire to lead Ghana," he stated.

"I'm humbled by the confidence reposed in me; and I am profoundly grateful that so many people want me to run even at the young age of 70."

He said in his six months stay in London after taking a temporary bow of politics he was in constant touch with Ghana. He said he received text messages, phone calls, facebook messages and the calls were unanimous. He should return to lead the NPP in 2016.

"I cannot ignore this call especially when among those who are urging me to run are those who supported the candidature of others.

"...When the party opens nominations sometime this year i shall be ready to contest," he declared.

He said he chose two professions in life-law and politics- professions that did not require a retiring age and is ready to serve his party.